A University Don as well as Professor of Sociology and Philosophy in the University of PortHarcourt, Prof. Lucky Akaruese says local government chairmen in the 774 local governments in Nigeria are like auxiliaries to state governors.

Fresh Angle International can report that Prof. Akaruese made the assertion Saturday November 3 in Warri, Delta State, during a Town Hall Meeting organized by members of National Association of Seadogs, (Pyrates Confraternity) with the topic “Demanding Accountability from Elected Political Office Holders”.

While dwelling on the subject matter, Prof. Akaruese noted that local government administration have been bastardized by the state governors, hence they cannot construct roads or embark on any project, because the governors collect allocation from the federation account and give little to the council chairmen “which cannot even meet up the burden of the councils, therefore accountability cannot be observed at that level of governance”.

He commended NAS for organizing the programme and enjoined elected political office holders to be accountable to the people they represent or govern in order to have a better society.

The Cap’N National Association of Seadogs, (Pyrates Confraternity) Mr. Emmanuel Gbahabo explained that NAS is humanitarian and her objectives includetackling problems identified in the society as well as carrying out interventions that are humanitarian in nature.

Gbahabo explained that the essence of the Town Hall Meeting was to find solution to issues bothering on accountability in government and come up with communique on the better way forward.

Guest lecturer at the event, Chief Victor Otomiewo while delivering his key-note discourse, lamented the length of time people give to religious activities compared to productive ventures.

Chief Otomiewo, a legal icon, avowed that the 1999 Nigerian constitution killed demand for accountability, because it did not give room for it, stressing that chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution which gave right to be employed, good health for all, quality education among other related rights, withdraw such rights and privileges when in section C,6 subsection 6C, it says if any government did not implement it,you cannot go to court to enforce it, because of the provisions of the constitution.

He expressed dismay over the governance structure in Nigeria, saying a situation where educated elites like former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi will be Vice Presidential Candidate to a man whose highest qualification is Diploma and also the serving Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo with his qualifications cannot be allowed to see the number one seat, will not create room for accountability unless the political leaders and citizenry turn a new leave.

Chairman of the event and former Minister of Police Affairs, Chief (Dr.) Roland Oritsejafor described NAS as watch dogs of the society, because there are everywhere and can effect the demand for accountability from elected political office holders as well as within families in the society.

Chief Oritsejafor urged NAS to make good use of the media by sensitizing political office holders and other public office holders on the need to be accountable to the people.

Celestine Chijoke UkahSenior Correspondent of Fresh Angle International. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and have undertaken a training in Advance Writing and Reportorial SkillsRead other stories by Celestine Chijoke Ukah